123, Farewell Guests, Secret Recipe for Childbirth

"Oh, regarding that matter, it’s not that I don’t agree, but there is so much work to do at home. If Jiang Min leaves for a few days, I won't be able to manage it all by myself," He Xiaohua said with feigned hesitation. In her heart, she scoffed: A single bag of pastries and they expect my daughter to help them with chores? How could things be so cheap? Besides, all the housework is currently done by Jiang Min. If she leaves for a few days, that would mean I’d have to do the work myself? That’s impossible!

"Auntie, don't say that. The chores at home are just the usual; I’m sure you’ll manage just fine. Oh, I almost forgot, I prepared a gift for you. I was so busy talking that I completely lost track of it." Jing Qingxin put on a perfect performance, her expression shifting from a smile to a look of surprise as she pulled a small silk pouch from her bag.

Hearing that there was a gift for her, He Xiaohua’s eyes lit up, then quickly dimmed. What good things could a lonely orphan girl from the countryside possibly have? Could it be that her cousin had given her some of their own precious belongings?

"Auntie, see if you like it," Jing Qingxin said, handing over the small silk pouch.

He Xiaohua immediately pulled the drawstring and reached inside. A sparkling pendant caught her eye, and she was instantly captivated. She had never seen such a glistening, delicate object before; it was truly beautiful.

"What is this?" He Xiaohua couldn't help but ask.

Seeing that she liked it, Jing Qingxin was not surprised. It was hard for any woman to resist sparkling jewelry. She replied in a light, polite tone, "This is an amethyst necklace. It’s not anything incredibly expensive, but it has a charming design. I’m giving it to you to wear and enjoy. I hope you don't mind it!"

"Not at all, not at all! I like it very much! You’ve really gone to such trouble, niece. Don't you worry, I’ll have Xiao Min go back with you tomorrow morning to help out. This girl doesn't have many other talents, but she is very diligent and quick with her hands!" He Xiaohua agreed readily, praising her daughter as if she were worried that Jing Qingxin might change her mind and take the necklace back.

"Then thank you, Uncle and Auntie. Rest assured, I won't mistreat Xiao Min!" Jing Qingxin said with a smile.

From beginning to end, Jiang Feng had not expressed an opinion. Since he wanted to maintain ties with this military officer, there was no harm in letting Xiao Min spend more time with them. Furthermore, he didn't care at all who did the chores at home—that was a woman's business!

Afterward, Jing Qingxin handed the share of pastries intended for Zeng Lin’s family to Chen Mei. While exchanging a few polite words, she slipped the small silk pouch into Chen Mei's hand.

Chen Mei was slightly startled. Seeing the smile on Jing Qingxin's face, she felt a flicker of confusion, but after noticing Jing Qingxin give her a subtle wink, she silently gripped the small pouch and tucked it into her pocket. No one else noticed their small exchange, as everyone was busy saying their goodbyes and preparing to head home.

Gao Shen walked the family of three from the Zeng household out, Zhang Liangping saw off Zhao Qingwen, and Jing Suyun and Jing Qingxin accompanied the four members of the Jiang family. Naturally, Jing Qingxin held onto Jiang Min’s arm as they walked behind, while Jing Suyun chatted with the Jiang couple.

"Just pack one or two changes of clothes tonight. Meet us at the bus station at seven tomorrow morning. Keep the item I gave you for yourself. If your mother asks, just tell her the truth. If she says she wants to keep it for you, tell her I specifically asked you to wear it on my wedding day. Understand? Don't be silly about it," Jing Qingxin instructed.

Jiang Min felt a warmth in her heart and obediently replied, "Yes, I know! Don't worry, Sister Qingxin! I won't be that foolish."

"Good, now go home and get some rest!" After giving her final instructions, Jing Qingxin watched them turn the corner and disappear from view.

After seeing off the three families, Zhang Liangping, his wife, Gao Shen, and Jing Qingxin all let out a collective sigh of relief. What a rushed day it had been!

However, they couldn't rest just yet; there were still things to tidy up in the house!

Zhang Liangping and Gao Shen were responsible for clearing the tables and washing the dishes, while Jing Suyun and Jing Qingxin took care of the cleaning. Afterward, Jing Qingxin began preparing some food, as the journey back would take five or six hours and there would be nothing to buy along the way.

Jing Qingxin worked in the kitchen while Jing Suyun helped manage the stove fire. As for Gao Shen and Zhang Liangping, they stayed in the main room, packing up the items they had purchased that day—all small things for the wedding banquet.

Gao Shen looked at the several large sacks in the main room, his eyes darkening. When he and Qingxin had arrived, they had only had a single military bag, but now, they had five or six large sacks to carry. It seemed the return journey would not be easy!

It would be much better if they were traveling alone; it would be so convenient to just toss everything into the mobile warehouse! Gao Shen sighed inwardly.

By the time everyone finished cleaning up, it was already around ten o'clock at night. For the people of this era, this was considered very late, as most households usually extinguished their lights and went to sleep by eight or nine.

Jing Qingxin took out two small porcelain bottles and went to the main room, where Zhang Liangping and his wife were soaking their feet to relieve their fatigue.

"Uncle, Auntie, these are health supplements I made. You must take one pill every day," she said, handing a bottle to each of them.

"Oh, Xinxin, I don't think I need these! I'm in good health!" Jing Suyun said with a smile. It wasn't that she doubted the pills, but as a doctor, she knew her own condition well; any lingering symptoms she had were the result of past trauma and were essentially incurable.

Zhang Liangping also felt that he didn't need to take medicine daily given his current state. He didn't have any major ailments, just the weariness of a hard life over the past few years.

"Uncle, Auntie, these pills aren't just for when you're sick. Taking one a day will help improve and regulate your physical condition. Don't you want to have a child?" Jing Qingxin dropped the bombshell gently.

"What?!" Hearing the word "child," Zhang Liangping was so surprised and excited that he stood up, instantly overturning his foot-soaking basin. He had clearly forgotten he was in the middle of soaking his feet.

Beside him, Jing Suyun didn't jump up in excitement, but she froze, staring intently at Jing Qingxin, waiting for her to continue.

The sound of the overturned basin brought Zhang Liangping back to his senses. He sat back down, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. Why was he getting so excited? Hadn't they long ago given up on the idea of having children? Why act so abnormally?

"Uncle, Auntie, do you still want to have a child?" Jing Qingxin asked, her expression serious. She had kept this thought to herself for two days, and after discussing it with Gao Shen, she decided to leave the choice to them.

Zhang Liangping smiled bitterly. "How could we not? I am the only son of the Zhang family; it will end with me."

Upon hearing this, Jing Suyun felt her eyes redden, and tears welled up. This was also a deep pain in her heart.

"Then listen to me. Take one pill every day and finish the course. We will see how your health is then. At your age, it isn't usually recommended to have children, and the risks are very high," Jing Qingxin said slowly. She had a secret recipe for fertility in her space, but she dared not risk using it recklessly. Although she had plenty of medicinal herbs, the level of obstetric care in this era was simply not up to the task.

"Xinxin, I’m not afraid! As long as there is a way, no matter what it takes, I want to have a child!" Jing Suyun said with a look of firm determination.

"Suyun..." Zhang Liangping whispered, seeing his wife disregard her own safety just to bear a child.

Jing Suyun turned her head and said calmly, "Don't try to persuade me! You know that this is the one regret in my life."

"Xinxin, is it very dangerous?" Zhang Liangping turned to Jing Qingxin, asking with nervous trepidation.

Jing Qingxin didn't dare to make any grand promises at the start. The secret recipe and the pills were certainly safe, but the main issue was their physical condition. Her uncle needed to nourish his vitality, and her aunt needed to warm and nourish her womb. Only when their bodies reached an optimal state could they take the fertility-promoting medicine. Furthermore, the delivery would require the assistance of a hospital's obstetrics department.

After a pause, Jing Qingxin said, "Uncle, Auntie, although I have inherited the prescriptions of my ancestors, I am not a doctor. These pills are to regulate your individual bodies. Only when you are in your best physical state can you take the fertility medicine to promote conception. The medicine and pills themselves are not a problem; I am only worried about whether Auntie, at her age, will be able to endure the delivery."

"Xinxin, don't worry! I will take the medicine and adjust my body properly. As for the final outcome, I will leave it to fate," Jing Suyun said with a faint smile. If it were destined that she would have no children in this life, she would accept it, but now, she was determined to give it a try.

"Child, thank you!" Zhang Liangping said with emotion. Since his wife was so determined, he would also give it his all.

"Very well then, Uncle and Auntie, get some rest early!"

***

Outro:
La la~ The third update is complete!
How come it feels like even though I'm updating more, the votes and comments are fewer?
Is it an illusion? Or just an illusion?
This book is first published on Xiaoxiang Academy, please do not repost!